MEET THE TEAM
Ty Brown is a community builder, youth-development advocate, entrepreneur, business coach, and media leader with more than a decade of experience transforming ideas into organizations, opportunities, and meaningful community impact.
In 2013, Ty founded Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program and Bronx United with a mission to help young people across New York City reach their full potential through education, enrichment, mentorship, music, dance, performance, and leadership development. Through Brooklyn United, he has helped create an environment where the marching arts serve as a powerful vehicle for developing discipline, confidence, teamwork, character, and a commitment to excellence.
Today, Brooklyn United serves nearly 1,000 students each week. Under Ty’s leadership, its young performers have appeared on prominent stages and at major events, including Carnegie Hall with David Byrne, the Met Gala with Nia Dennis, Barclays Center, MetLife Stadium, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a global FIFA event featuring IShowSpeed.
Since 2014, Ty has also served as a Business Coaching Specialist with Forward March Coaching, providing personalized coaching, consulting, and training to help businesses identify challenges, build on their strengths, establish achievable goals, and implement practical strategies for growth. His experience includes market research, competitive analysis, product and service development, pricing strategy, customer engagement, and talent management.
As Editor-in-Chief of United News, Ty leads a Brooklyn-based newspaper and media organization focused on accurate, balanced, and community-centered reporting.
Across every role, Ty’s purpose remains consistent: building stronger people, stronger organizations, and stronger communities. He values collaboration with educators, nonprofit leaders, community partners, sponsors, business owners, and changemakers who share his commitment to creating meaningful and lasting opportunities for others.
Melissa Grady serves as Chief of Staff and Brand Research Specialist for Brooklyn United Music & Arts Program, where she supports executive leadership, organizational operations, strategic planning, team development, and sustainable growth.
With more than 10 years of experience in executive administration, operations, nonprofit leadership, marketing, and community engagement, Melissa is skilled at turning ideas into organized systems, strengthening communication, and creating efficient, accountable workflows.
Her background includes founding and leading a nonprofit organization, supporting executive teams, coordinating projects, developing operational processes, and serving in community-focused leadership roles.
Melissa holds an MBA from Saint Leo University and a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, with additional studies in Human Relations. She is also an award-winning published Photographer.
Melissa is passionate about service, leadership, and creating strong organizations that positively impact young people and their communities.
Kadejah Reid serves as a Site Supervisor at Brooklyn United and is currently in her fourth season with the organization. She brings a background in education, business administration, and healthcare to her role. Kadejah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and is a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant, as well as certified in BLS/CPR. She currently works as a Special Education Paraprofessional, where she supports students with diverse learning needs. At Brooklyn United, Kadejah helps oversee daily site operations, supports staff and students, and works to create a safe, welcoming, and positive environment where young people can learn and grow. She enjoys being part of BU because of the relationships she builds with students and the opportunity to contribute to their growth and development. Outside of BU, Kadejah enjoys reading, traveling, and, best of all, being a mom.
Nettie Middleton is a driver, head chef, production manager, and head of security at Brooklyn United. She has proudly served Brooklyn United for 10 years and brings a strong background of experience, leadership, and dedication. Nettie has over a decade of experience in driving and cooking, six years in security, and 15 years of project management experience, along with her food handler certification and security guard license. As a driver, Nettie safely transports students to and from practices, performances, and other activities. As head chef, she shops for ingredients, prepares and cooks meals, and makes sure everything is handled with care. As a production manager, she oversees other workers, delegates responsibilities, manages equipment and supplies, and ensures everything is properly stored, organized, packed, unpacked, set up, and broken down. As head of security, she helps keep events safe and secure. What means the most to Nettie is working with the children and being someone they can trust, respect, and depend on. Outside of work, she enjoys doing hair, going bowling, relaxing at home, and spending quality time with her family. Her motto is simple. ‘When you care about people, you give them your best.